Investigation: causes and failures
Last verified: 10 September 2026
This page covers the technical aspect of the investigation: the cause of the fire, the failures revealed and the prevention measures.
Looking for the judicial proceedings?
The defendants, the charges, detention, civil parties and the investigations in France and Italy are now grouped together in a dedicated section.
Leading hypothesis
According to the findings of the investigation:
- "Fountains" — pyrotechnic devices fitted on champagne bottles
- Contact with the ceiling — flammable acoustic foam
- Flashover — rapid, generalised ignition
Damning video (New Year 2019)
A waiter warns customers: "Watch out for the foam!"
As early as 2015, comments had been made about the quality of the materials.
Sources: Valais cantonal police, RTS.
Failures revealed
No inspection of the bar since 2019
The municipality acknowledges a "failure in the periodic inspections from 2020 to 2025".
Nicolas Féraud, president of the municipality: "We deeply regret it."
Note: Establishments must be inspected every year under the cantonal ordinance.
No inspection before the opening in December 2015
Questioned on 28 July 2026 by the prosecutors, Chermignon's former safety officer stated that no thorough inspection had taken place before the Constellation opened. He filled in the fire safety document without visiting the site, working from the plans and photomontages.
The works carried out in the basement, where the acoustic foam was located, were never inspected. The February 2016 inspection covered only the ground floor; the periodic inspections of 2018 and 2019 did not cover the foam.
Source: RTS, 1 September 2026.
Inadequate safety equipment
- Probably no fire alarm
- A single fire extinguisher in the establishment
- Acoustic foam on the ceiling never specifically inspected
Sources: Municipality of Crans-Montana, RTS.
Prevention measures taken
National ban on pyrotechnic articles (1 April 2026)
As an immediate measure, it is now prohibited to light pyrotechnic articles in premises open to the public throughout Switzerland, as part of the revision of the fire protection regulations (AEAI). The new regulations are expected in autumn 2027.
- External inspection of all public establishments in the municipality commissioned
- La Petite Maison (Moretti's second establishment) closed immediately
Sources: AEAI (vkg.ch), RTS, Municipality of Crans-Montana.
The municipality's position
Nicolas Féraud (president of the municipality) refused to resign:
"You don't abandon ship in the middle of a storm."
Stéphane Ganzer (cantonal minister):
"What I observe are shortcomings. And shortcomings should not happen in a country such as ours."
The criminal status of the president and the municipal officials is detailed on the Parties involved page.
Investigative resources
| Cantonal police | ~40 officers + ~40 inspectors |
| DVI specialists | ~40 experts from across Switzerland |
| Fedpol | International liaison |
| Zurich Forensic Institute | Fire expertise |
According to the Public Prosecutor's office, the proceedings will take several more years given the complexity of the case.
What this means
"Defendant" does not mean "guilty".
A criminal investigation has been opened to determine responsibilities. The persons charged are entitled to the presumption of innocence until any possible judgment. See the legal glossary.